August 2013 SLATE - Idaho School Boards Association by Idaho School Boards Association

A PUBLICATION OF THE IDAHO SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION

VOL.31 • NO.3 • AUGUST 2013 IN THIS ISSUE: CHANGES TO THE TEACHER EVALUATION RULE / 14 ASK ISBA: DISTRICT-SPONSORED INSURANCE / 16 21ST CENTURY SCHOOL BOARDS / 38 ANNUAL CONVENTION / 30-37

the

Back to School Is sue

Voting on Resolutions p. 5 | Tips from the Trenches p. 20

SLATE

statistic of the Quarter

ISBA

DIAMOND B US I N ESS PAR T N ER

2 / Volume 31 / August 2013

SLATE

in every issue 5

from the director’s chair How Does ISBA Establish The Legislative Platform? Voting on Resolutions

President’s message Layers of Decisions: Layers of Potential Disagreements

public instruction Trustees Have a Powerful Voice in Common Core Conversation

Statistic of the Quarter Not The Right Kind of Summer Slide

from the State Board of Education Increasing Expectations, Increasing Student Success

Safety Notes OSHA Updates Chemical Hazard Communication Program

Policy Update News Changes to the Teacher Evaluation Rule

Executive Board Member Highlight Lisa Burtenshaw

ask ISBA District-Sponsored Insurance Plans

Distinguished Student Award Distinguished Students of the Year

features 8

Superintendent of the Year, Wiley Dobbs

Business Official of the Year, Nancy Landon

Tips from the Trenches: Administration

A New Service of the ISBA: Superintendent Search

2013 ISBA Scholarship Recipients

ISBA Master of Boardsmanship Program

ISBA Job Center

21st Century School Boards

STATISTIC OF THE QUARTER

annual convention 30

General Convention Information

Keynote Speakers

Call for Award Nominations Submit Award Applications

Agenda at-a-Glance

Call for Workshop Proposals

Call for Student Entertainment

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH SERVICE

3 / Volume 31 / August 2013

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Idaho School Boards Association

Contributors In Every Issue Karen Echeverria ISBA Executive Director From the Director’s Chair Anne Ritter ISBA President President’s Message Tom Luna Superintendent of Public Instruction Public Instruction Don Soltman President, State Board of Education From the State Board of Education Allan Ranstrom Moreton & Company Safety Notes

Jessica Harrison Idaho School Boards Association Policy Update News

Executive Committee Board Officers & Executive Director Executive Board

Region Representatives, Board Officers & Executive Director

Executive Board Officers President President-Elect Vice President

Anne Ritter, Meridian Jt. School District Todd Wells, Castleford Jt. School District Vacant

Imm. Past President

Dallas Clinger, American Falls Jt. School District

Regional Representatives Region I Reps

Melanie Staples, Boundary Co. School District Archie McGregor, St. Maries Jt. School District

Region II Reps

John Menter, Troy School District Kim Campbell, Moscow School District

Region III Reps

Lori Bennett, Bruneau-Grand View Jt. School District Juan (Mike) Vuittonet, Meridian Jt. School District

Region IV Reps

Dane Higdem, Kimberly School District Lisa Knudson, Castleford Jt. School District

Region V Reps

Janie Gebhardt, Pocatello School District James Stoor, Soda Springs Jt. School District

Region VI Reps

Lisa Burtenshaw, Idaho Falls School District Nancy Arnold, Teton Co. School District

Region VII Reps

Deb Foster, South Lemhi School District Shannon Johnson, Salmon School District

Region VIII Reps

Marg Chipman, Weiser School District Barbara Dixon, Meadows Valley School District

ISBA Staff ISBA Mission Statement The mission of the Idaho School Boards Association is to provide leadership and services to local school boards for the benefit of students and for the advocacy of public education.

Editorial Office

Executive Director Associate Executive Director Policy & Government Affairs Director Office & Finance Coordinator Training Director Research & Policy Coordinator Graphics & Marketing Coordinator

Karen Echeverria Misty Jones Swanson Jessica Harrison Kristi Toolson Jackie Hopper April Hoy Rochelle Adams

P.O. Box 9797 Boise, ID 83707-4797 222 N. 13th Street Boise, ID 83702 Phone: (208) 854-1476 • Toll-Free: (866) 799-4722 Fax: (208) 854-1480 Online: www.idsba.org

2013 Calendar

SLATE Subscription

Sept 16 Submit student entertainment proposals for ISBA Annual Convention (see page 37) Oct 1 Submit award nomination forms for ISBA Annual Convention (see page 34) Oct 18 Submit award applications for ISBA Annual Convention (see page 34)

Subscription to the SLATE, published four times per year, is by membership to the Idaho School Boards Association. The material contained herein is for informational purposes only and may be quite divergent in point of view and/or controversial in nature. It is the belief of the Association that the democratic process functions best through discussions which challenge and stimulate thinking on the part of the reader. Therefore, this material does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Association or its members.

4 / Volume 31 / August 2013

Sept 4 Governance Workshop, Region V (see page 39) Nov 6-8 ISBA Annual Convention

Feb 24-25 Day on the Hill 2014

2013 Deadlines

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ IdahoSchoolBoardsAssociation

For member services, board development, and much more: www.idsba.org

NEW! We’ve launched an ISBA Annual Convention website: www.idsba.org/convention

SLATE

From the Director’s Chair

BY KAREN ECHEVERRIA

Executive Director

How Does ISBA Establish The

Legislative Platform? Voting on Resolutions WHEN IS IT DONE? • WHO CAN VOTE? • WHAT IS THE VOTING REQUIREMENT? • HOW DOES THE OUTCOME ESTABLISH THE ISBA PLATFORM?

n my last article I indicated that I would spend this year writing about ISBA’s

QUESTION Can Anyone Besides a Board

legislative platform. I plan to break that into four main topics. In the May issue

Member Debate For or Against a Resolution?

of the SLATE, I wrote about the actual resolution process – who can submit, when

ANSWER Yes. However, a board member must first come to the microphone and ask that their time be yielded to another person. For instance, a board member may ask that they yield their time to their superintendent. It is important to remember that if the superintendent speaks on behalf of a board member that the board member would then not be allowed another three minutes for themselves – they have also yielded their own time.

resolutions are submitted, and the process resolutions go through before being presented to the full membership. In this issue I will focus on debate and deliberation of resolutions and voting on resolutions. In the fall, I will write about turning any resolutions passed by the membership into legislation and the final article, early next year, will focus on what happens if the law passes or fails.

QUESTION Who is Allowed to Vote on ISBA Resolutions? ANSWER The ISBA bylaws allow for each school district member of ISBA to deliberate and vote on resolutions. There is a formula in the bylaws that allows for a block of votes for each school district. That block is based on several strata of student populations. I should note that there is a committee that is currently reviewing the bylaw as it relates to voting and there may be a proposed amendment to that particular bylaw. Even if an amendment is proposed, there will still be a block of votes for each school district.

QUESTION Does That Mean That Each Board Member is Allowed to Vote Individually? ANSWER Yes and no. Each school district is given one ballot. That ballot allows for each school district to have a block of votes. The school district can choose to vote their entire block as a no vote, a yes vote, or split the vote. So, if the individuals on any particular board are not in agreement with their votes, they can split the votes on their ballot. QUESTION When Does Debate and Voting Occur? ANSWER Debate and voting occurs during the Business Session at the Annual Convention. QUESTION Does the School District Need to Be Present to Debate and/or Vote? ANSWER Yes. At least one board member from the district needs to be present, in person, in

order for the school district to cast a ballot. One board member can vote the entire block for the entire board. Any and all board members can debate any given resolution. Each person who wishes to debate is allowed three minutes to express their opinion. That same person can speak a second time after all other members who wish to speak have been given that opportunity. Each resolution can only be debated for thirty minutes total.

The Resolution Process In the May 2013 SLATE

Voting on Resolutions In this August 2013 SLATE

QUESTION Can a Board Vote by Proxy? ANSWER No. There is no provision in the

ISBA bylaws that will allow for a proxy vote. I presume the reason for that is because much debate and deliberation occurs on the floor of the Business Session. If board members are present during the Business Session to hear the debate and discussion, they may change their votes based on that discussion. Therefore, in order for a board to have a voice in the resolution process, at least one member from that board needs to be present at the Business Meeting to case the votes for the entire board.

QUESTION Should the Entire

Board Review the Resolutions Prior to the Business Session?

ANSWER Yes. If the entire board is unable to attend the convention, it is important for the board to discuss the resolutions prior to the Business Session. During that discussion,

Turning The Resolutions Into Legislation Look for it in the October 2013 SLATE

What Happens Next? Look for it in the February 2014 SLATE 5 / Volume 31 / August 2013

SLATE

From the Director’s Chair

the entire board can direct those members who will be attending the Business Session how they wish them to cast the votes on their ballot. Without a discussion by the entire board, the members in attendance will simply vote as they wish which may not necessarily be how other members of their local board may feel.

to those in attendance before the Business Session is over. The last one or two resolution results that may not have been completed at the conclusion of the Business Session are announced at the next General Session.

QUESTION When Are the Voting Results

For those board members who were unable to attend the Business Session, ISBA staff sends a formal email sometime after the Annual Convention that identifies the outcome of all resolutions.

ANSWER Tabulations and voting occur

QUESTION What Happens With the

Tabulated and Reported to the Membership?

during the Business Session. ISBA staff tabulates the votes as soon as debate ends for each resolution. Most results are available

START

Resolutions Once They Pass or Fail?

ANSWER If a resolution fails, it does not move any further. The school district or region

Do you have a problem or issue at your school district that you want changed? Can this be changed by State Law or Administrative Rule?

who originally submitted the resolution may choose to resubmit it the following year or they may drop the idea altogether. If a resolution passes, it will be in effect for two years. Some legislation will require ISBA staff to work with another state agency, some will require rulemaking, and some will require legislation. The ISBA staff will work with the school district and the ISBA attorneys to craft rules or legislation that outlines the elements contained in the resolution or to work with the other agency. I will discuss this in greater detail in the next issue. However, those resolutions that were passed will then become ISBA’s legislative

If yes, prepare a Resolution to be submitted to ISBA. A Resolution is a document that explains the problem and what outcome you would like.

THE PROCESS OF RESOLUTIONS from Start to Finish Some Resolutions are passed and some are not passed by the members. For those Resolutions passed, they become the legislative platform for ISBA staff and lobbyists during the Legislative Session.

DON’T MISS IT! The ISBA Business Session is on Friday, November 8 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Districts can debate and will vote on each Resolution.

6 / Volume 31 / August 2013

During the Legislative Session, ISBA staff request legislators to help “carry” the legislation (Resolutions) and present them to both the House and Senate.

If the legislation (Resolution) passes the House and Senate then it goes to the Governor to be signed into law.

From The Director’s Chair

2013 Resolution Timeline

platform for the next two years or until they are passed. I hope you can see the importance of the Business Session at the Annual Convention and the impact it has on ISBA’s activities during the legislative session. Your voice is important to establishing that platform and we hope to see your school district represented at the next Business Session.

karen@idsba.org

Submit the Resolution to the ISBA Office no later than July 31st. If you would like help writing the Resolution or have questions, contact the ISBA Office.

SLATE

July 31

Resolutions due from trustees, districts, regions, or the ISBA Executive Board

Aug 1-9

ISBA staff compiles and clarifies submitted Resolutions

Aug 12-22 Resolutions are sent to Government Affairs Committee for review Aug 23

Board packets containing proposed Resolutions are sent to the Executive Board members (two weeks prior to the meeting)

Sept 6-7

ISBA Executive Board reviews Resolutions and makes recommendations

Sept-Oct

Resolutions are discussed and debated at fall regional meetings

Oct 10

Deadline to transmit Resolution board packets to Trustees

Nov 8

Trustees vote on resolutions at ISBA Annual Business Session

December

Create and publish 2014 Legislation Resolutions and Priorities Pamphlet

Throughout the month of August, ISBA will review all Resolutions and may contact you for clarification.

AUG

All Resolutions are presented to the ISBA Executive Board during its September Board Meeting. There, the Board reviews all Resolutions and votes on each Resolution with a “do pass”, “do not pass”, or “no recommendation”.

During the ISBA Annual Convention in November, the Business Session is held where member districts can debate and vote on each Resolution.

All Resolutions are sent to ISBA membership via email and posted on the ISBA website. Boards should review each of the Resolutions and discuss the pros and cons of the Resolutions. Boards should choose a position to take on each Resolution.

Government Affairs Committee

This is how your Resolution can ultimately become law and help your school district and many others in the State.

FINISH

Each year at the Idaho School Boards Association Convention, board members assemble to consider resolutions submitted by the membership. These resolutions are the voice of the membership and an effective means of providing guidance for ISBA. All resolutions received by July 31, 2013 are reviewed by the ISBA Government Affairs Committee. It is not necessary to submit resolutions dealing with positions to which the ISBA is already committed from last year’s legislative

sep

program. (Resolutions remain on ISBA’s legislative agenda for two years following its approval by the membership.) The ISBA Government Affairs Committee will make recommendations to the Executive Board on the resolutions and the Executive Board will make recommendations to the membership. The membership then votes on the resolutions at the Business Session of the Annual Convention. ISBA welcomes your participation in this process and urges you to take this opportunity to be heard.

7 / Volume 31 / August 2013

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President’s Message BY ANNE RITTER ISBA President

Superintendent of the Year

Wiley Dobbs

Layers of Decisions:

Layers of Potential Disagreements

omehow I must live with many layers of opinion. Some I agree with. Some I oppose. The difference in my life, as in yours, is how I support those with whom I do not agree. So how do I avoid becoming a split personality victim? If it sometimes makes me crazy, how does it affect you? In my current roles the potential conflicts are pretty clearly defined. I have my personal opinions (well thought out and mostly correct if I do say so myself) on issues that face my local board. They are always subject to change with additional information, time, or changing circumstances.

I have found over the years that the more layers of decision making you participate in, the more important it is to be clear in your roles.

My local board, like yours, works with majority rule. We try very hard to reach consensus because it is much more powerful and comfortable for all involved. It also gives clear direction to our superintendent and the rest of the staff. It is unusual when I disagree (vehemently or to any degree) with a decision of the board. To be perfectly honest, I agree with most decisions without any reservations. It is easy and comfortable to support them in public. It is also expected.

I find that when I disagree I can live with the bifurcation as long as I am clear when I am expressing one or the other by qualifying my role at the time that I am speaking. It is important that my listeners understand whether I am speaking for myself or the board as a whole. As a member of the ISBA Executive Board, the Government Affairs Committee (GAC), and as your current President, I have occasionally disagreed with some decisions. Sometimes my local board has disagreed with ISBA decisions. How can I speak without getting my tongue tied or having to qualify every statement? Determining what role I am in at the time of the conversation is the key. It helps the listener understand, and that is always the goal. I have found over the years that the more layers of decision making you participate in, the more important it is to be clear in your roles. Sometimes it is uncomfortable. Sometimes it is awkward. Sometimes it feels a little dishonest (but it is not.) Does it get easier? Yes, on the small stuff. It never gets easier on the big decisions. The biggest issue for me is one of honesty. I have to live with myself, I have to represent the decisions of my local board with integrity, I have to express the decisions of the ISBA with precision, and I have to be clear, concise, and accurate in all communications. A goal that I am continuing to strive for. 8 / Volume 31 / August 2013

Twin Falls School District superintendent, Wiley Dobbs, was named Idaho’s Superintendent of the Year. Superintendent Dobbs has been superintendent of the Twin Falls School District since 2003. He will represent Idaho this fall during a national superintendents’ roundtable in Washington, D.C. when superintendents from around the country meet with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

In all that he does, Dr. Wiley Dobbs stands as an academic and community leader that Twin Falls is lucky to call its own. - Jerry Beck, Former President of College of Souther Idaho

Dr. Dobbs has worked a lifetime for the betterment of students. His dedication to three generations of Twin Falls constituents has created a consistency for our community in an ever changing world. Growing people through a collaborative or team leadership style provides the loyalty, depth, and dedication in his team that only a highly visible model like Dobbs can create. - Bryan Matsuoka Vice Chairman, Twin Fall School District

Wiley is deserving of this award. He has a love for education and surrounds himself with others that share in this belief. He will give credit to being supported by great administrators and faculty. However, great administrators and faculty follow an exceptional leader. It has been a great honor to work with him. - Dan King Chairman, Twin Falls School District

Public Instruction

SLATE

BY TOM LUNA

Superintendent of Public Instruction

Trustees Have a Powerful Voice in

Common Core Conversation

his summer, I had the honor of speaking with school board trustees from throughout the Pacific Northwest. They asked me to speak about Idahoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move to higher academic standards and how we as a state are communicating this transition to our parents, patrons, and policymakers. While not every state has chosen to adopt the Common Core State Standards, every state has realized it must increase its academic standards in core areas in some way in order to better prepare students for the world that awaits them after high school. Because of this, all states and school districts are facing similar challenges when it comes to implementing higher academic standards, whether those standards are Common Core State Standards or other college- and careerready standards. In speaking with these school board trustees from throughout Idaho and across the Northwest, I reiterated the critical role school board members play not only at the local level, but at the state level as well. In Idaho, school board members are a powerful voice. You are educational leaders in

your individual communities. When you talk, people listen. As a former school board member, I understand the role you play at the local level. Your voice is powerful on issues of local control and labor matters. It is just as powerful on issues such as academic standards. Idaho adopted the Common Core State Standards as Idahoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Core Standards in English language arts and mathematics back in 2011. While many schools have already begun teaching to these new, higher standards, all schools will begin teaching to them this fall. Students will be measured against these higher standards in Spring 2015. Now that the full implementation of the standards is here, it has caused a lot of conversation in communities across the State. Parents want to know how classroom will look different last year. Teachers want to professional development will

their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s than it did know what be available

throughout the school year. Other community members want reassurance that local school boards still have control over curriculum. Your voice is critical in this conversation. I encourage every school board member to take the lead. We know these standards are what is best for our students and the future of our State. We face a challenge in Idaho. While our students do well academically in grades K-12, far too many are graduating from high school unprepared for the rigors of college, professional-technical education, or the workforce. We are not alone. Many other states face the same challenge. That is why we worked with other states through a state-led voluntary initiative in 2009 to develop higher, more rigorous standards in mathematics and English language arts that emphasize critical thinking and problem solving and are comparable with any other country in the world. As a school board member and leader in your community, you can help share this important message by getting out and speaking to civic continued on next page...

Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Luna, presents on Common Core Standards at the NSBA Pacific Region meeting in Boise on June 29, 2013.

9 / Volume 31 / August 2013

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Public

continues to go to Idaho’s teachers and educators, not only this year but next year Instruction and in the future.

In case you missed my budget presentation before JFAC,clubs. here are highlights of what Telltheyour neighbors andI colleagues Tools You Can Userecommended for Fiscal Year FY2014: about these standards, the benefits of them, and how your school district is working to Idaho Core Standards• 3%, or $37.9 million,them increase in local General implement at the level. Communication Funds for public schools Toolkit If those in your community have lots • 1.67% to the shiftabout in funding ofrestore questions localfor control and Visit http://www.sde.idaho.gov/ teacherimplementation, salaries host a school board site/common/toolkit.htm to workshop on the standards and provide a download resources: • Raise the minimum teacher salary thorough review of how yourtoschool district is • Sample PowerPoint presentation $31,000implementing these standards. This can help for community meetings demonstrate the authority you maintain at • 1.5% increase in level. discretionary funds for the local • Sample letter to parents local school districts and public charter (also in Spanish) schoolsI also strongly encourage you and your district • Frequently asked questions to create a plan to communicate with parents (also in Spanish) • 2% increase in pupil transportation regularly about the transition to these higher • Myths and facts (also in Spanish) funds academic standards. • Parent brochure (also in Spanish) • $10.4 million a historic line We at to therestore Department have created an Idaho • PTA’s Parent’s Guide to Student item for classroom technology for Core Standards Communications Toolkit for Success by Grade Level school any districts school board member or local school district to use in their communication efforts. • $3.7 million to fund professional development as Idaho teachers The Toolkit includes a sample PowerPoint implement higher academic standards presentation you can use at community meetings. A sample letter is available for you • $4.8 million to continue for and send home to tailor to meet funding your needs more math and science teachers to parents. The Toolkit also includes a list of Frequently Asked Questions and a sheet of • $7.7 million towe follow through on the myths have heard and the facts to dispel State’sthem. commitment to operate I am sure many ofthe you are hearing the statewide instructional management same things. system, known as Schoolnet, and provide professional development opportunities for Idaho teachers on how to integrate this system in the classroom

Financial Governanc

THE DOLLARS AND SENSE OF SCHOO

We also have created a Parent Brochure you can download and post on your website. We that are affo Fiscal responsibility is establishing budgets will beand printing hard copies and sending them stable, responsible. It involves setting a budget that is w to yourhaving districta just in projects time to hand out toresources wisely funding, capital plan, using parents as school begins again. the budget and the financial health to the patrons. This wo

topics on: All of these documents are translated into •Spanish The basics of financial oversight, accountability, and fiduc as well to help meet the needs of including the roles, and responsibilities of key district your community. properly safeguarding, using, and accounting for district

In addition, we have posted a link to the Board members will be able to read and understand t national PTA’s Parent’s Guide to Student and what reports warrant attention. . Thesespecial documents Success by Grade Level drill down by grade level to provide specific • The importance of the audit and the process for audits, examples and tips for parents depending on types of fraud, attitudes, and conditions that invite abu the age of their child. The PTA will allow any download these documents andupon completion •district The to overall goal for the board member affixbe their own logos guides, if they knowing how to to these recognize sound financial managem want co-brand them before handing ofto a fiscally stressed district as wellthem as the policy and ov out the to parents. board can put in place to protect resources. •

Please draw on these resources that are available on our website at2 http://www.sde. hour Workshop: idaho.gov/site/common/toolkit.htm and let $200 plus trainer’s travel (Savings of us know if there are other ways in which we can help you communicate with if districts wou Special rates caneffectively be negotiated schedule together! Split the t parents andtopatrons in the yourworkshop communities and get a further reduction about the new Idaho Core Standards and on the worksho Contact Jackie Hopper for details. the benefits of moving to higher academic standards.

Call the ISBA Office to discuss your training Phone: (208) 854-1476 Toll-Free: (866) 799-4722 www.idsba.org

Board Training of the Quarter September - November 2013 •

$10 million to begin a two-year phase-in toBOARDS restore school facilities and EIGHT CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE SCHOOL maintenance funding This two-hour training focuses on the impact that goal setting, district knowledge, and collegial working relationships with superintendents, teachers, and • $250,000This to continue thewill Dual Credit for administrators have on student achievement. workshop help boards Early Completers Program understand the critical difference between governance and data driven decision making from a balcony viewpoint versus the day-to-day management in the district. • $150,000 to reconvene the Safe Schools Task Force that will take a renewed Cost: $250 plus travel look at school safety in Idaho This is a $50 dollar savings to the district over the regular cost of board training. Book now and help your district move from good to great! Use the Idaho Education Network

and pay no travel costs!

10 / Volume 31 / August 2013

Jackie Hopper Jackie Hopper (208) 880-8662 Jackie@idsba.org

Call the ISBA Office to discuss your training needs. Phone: (208) 854-1476 Toll-Free (866) 799-4722 www.idsba.org trainers@idsba.org

Liz Killpa (208) 58 Liz@idsb

Statistic of the Quarter

SLATE

Not the Right Kind of Summer Slide TOO MANY CHILDREN LOSE GROUND OVER THE SUMMER MONTHS

SUMMER LEARNING LOSS Some children experience a slowdown in learning over the summer. The impact is greatest on children from low-income families who may not have access to enriching summer activities. These children lose two to three months of reading comprehension skills every summer.1 By the end of fifth grade, they are almost three years behind their middle-income peers. IDAHO’S CHILDREN The Idaho State Department of Education reports that in the spring of 2012, 82% of kindergarteners had grade-level reading skills (‘Benchmark’ scores on the Idaho Reading Indicator). When that class of first graders returned in the fall, only 64% were at grade level.

fast fact

by fifth grade low-income kids are more than

We invest in our children’s schooling to ensure they become productive adults. Summer learning loss is a hole in the bucket, letting some of that investment slip away every year and threatening our future.

2.5 years behind

GR TH FIF

IRD

AD GR ND CO

ST FI R

BIR

KIN

Learning Gap Between Low-Income and Middle Class Children

AC C U M U L AT E D LEARNING IN YEARS

CHILD OF MIDDLE- CL ASS FA M I LY

S C H O O L

Y E A R

S U M M E R

S C H O O L Y E A R

S U M M E R

S C H O O L Y E A R

S U M M E

S C H O O L Y E A R

S U M M E R

S C H O O L Y E A R

S U M M E R

CHILD OF LOW- INCOME FA M I LY

SUMMER LEARNING LOSS

RESOURCES

Cooper, H., Borman, G., & Fairchild, R. (2010). “School Calendars and Academic Achievement.” In J. Meece & J. Eccles (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Schools, Schooling, and Human Development (pp. 342-355). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

Idaho KIDS COUNT thanks the Annie E. Casey Foundation for generous financial support. The findings and conclusions presented here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Foundation. 11 / Volume 31 / August 2013

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From the State Board of Education BY DON SOLTMAN President, State Board of Education

Increasing Expectations,

Increasing Student Success

he graduating class of 2013 is a special group of students and one we will be watching closely as they move into the next chapter of their lives. This year’s seniors are the first cohort of students who completed the more rigorous graduation requirements adopted by the State Board of Education in 2008. These additional requirements included three years of math, including math during the senior year, three years of science, a senior project, and a college entrance exam. This redesign of high school graduation requirements raised the bar so a high school diploma means what it should – that Idaho students are ready for college or to enter the workforce with the tools they need to succeed. Ensuring that high school graduates are college and career ready is a critical first step to meeting the Board’s goal to see that 60 percent of Idaho citizens between the ages of 25-34 attain a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2020.

Thirty-five years ago, just 28 percent of U.S. jobs required training or education after high school. According to a recent report on job growth and education requirements from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 68 percent of all jobs in Idaho will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school by 2020. Developing our State’s talent and providing a 21st century education to meet the demands of today’s economy requires us to set higher standards for our students. In addition to the more rigorous high school graduation requirements, the Board, along with the Governor’s Office and the State Department of Education, have worked over the last several years to establish the 12 / Volume 31 / August 2013

evidence-based Idaho Core Standards. These more rigorous standards were adopted by the Board in 2010 and the Legislature in 2011 for implementation beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. Content standards outline the knowledge and skills students should attain at each level of their education across different subjects. The Idaho Core Standards are aligned with college and workforce expectations, are focused and coherent, include rigorous content, and are internationally benchmarked. The implementation of these new standards in math and English language arts will further help ensure that students are prepared for opportunities in education, work, and life. This preparation means not only mastering reading, English, and math, but also developing skills needed to succeed in college and the workplace – like communications, problem solving, and teamwork. Students, parents, teachers, and community members should understand that we must expect more if we want to achieve more. Life is no longer about competing with people in the same town or in the state. Idaho students are now competing with their peers around the globe. It’s up to all of us to make sure they are ready.

Don Soltman is the current president of the Idaho State Board of Education. He is a retired health care executive and former trustee of the Lakeland School District. Don makes his home in Rathdrum, Idaho.

In addition to the more rigorous high school graduation requirements, the Board, along with the Governor's Office and the State Department of Education, have worked over the last several years to establish the evidencebased Idaho Core Standards.

Safety Notes

SLATE

BY PAT PINKHAM

Moreton & Company

OSHA Updates Chemical Hazard Communication Program

SHA’s Chemical Hazard Communication program is designed to protect workers from exposures to hazardous materials that they may be exposed to in the workplace. This program has been adopted by the Idaho Division of Building Safety. In schools, hazardous materials can be found in a wide variety of areas including science laboratories, professional-technical education, and arts classrooms. School staff members including maintenance, custodial, teachers, and bus drivers will routinely be exposed to hazardous materials that are included in the hazard communication standard. OSHA has changed the Hazard Communication Standard to adopt the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. Once implemented, the revised standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information, making it safer for workers and students by providing easy to understand information on the appropriate handling and safe use of hazardous chemicals.

GHS Hazard Pictograms

Explosive

Corrosive

Oxidizer

Other changes to be made include standardizing the information contained in Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS), so that their safety information provided by the material’s manufacturer or supplier is in a uniform order. MSDSs will also have their name changed to “Safety Data Sheets”. The changes to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard involve changes to the current labeling system. When implemented, labels will use a Globally Harmonized System (GHS) using standard pictographs to describe a substance’s hazards. Labels will also contain: • Precautionary Statements: One or more phrases that describe recommended measures to be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous chemical or improper storage or handling of a hazardous chemical. • Signal Words: A signal word used to indicate the relative level of severity of the hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on the label. The signal words used are “danger” and “warning.” “Danger” is used for the more severe hazards, while “warning” is used for less severe hazards. • Hazard Statements: A phrase assigned to each hazard category; examples include “harmful if swallowed,” “highly flammable liquid and vapor,” etc. The switch to the GHS of labeling and the uniform order of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is to be phased in over the next three years, with the first phase involving employee training. The first phase will be completed by December 2013, with complete implementation to be done by June 2015. SafeSchools.com has already developed online training programs on the change over to the GHS labeling requirements, and can be used to comply with OSHA’s training requirements.

ADDITIONAL ONLINE RESOURCE Gas Under Pressure

Aquatic Toxicity

Acute Toxicity

http://dbs.idaho.gov/safety_code/pdfs/301_haz_comm.pdf Please contact Moreton & Company if you have any questions related to the OSHA changes on the Hazard Communication program, the newly adopted GHS labeling system, or how to access and use the SafeSchools online library of school specific safety and loss control training.

Skin Irritant Carcinogen Toxic Respiratory Sensitizer Other Safety Hazard Reproductive Toxicity Mutagen

Flammable

Pat Pinkham or Allan Ranstrom Moreton & Company (800) 332-6789

ISBA

DIAMOND BUSINESS PARTNER

13 / Volume 31 / August 2013

SLATE

PoLicy Update News BY JESSICA HARRISON

Policy & Government Affairs Director

Changes to the

Teacher Evaluation Rule The Idaho State Board of Education (“the State Board”) will likely be considering a proposal at its August meeting that significantly changes the current local teacher evaluation policy rule. The new rule is a result of several factors, including the repeal of the Students Come First legislation that formed the foundation of Idaho’s teacher evaluation system. Due to the repeal, Idaho was no longer in compliance with the Elementary Secondary Education Act (“ESEA”) Waiver requiring that student achievement and multiple measures be included in teacher evaluations. As a result, the Idaho State Department of Education (“the Department”) worked with stakeholders to extensively redraft Idaho’s local teacher evaluation policy rule (IDAPA 08.02.02.120) to bring Idaho’s evaluation standards back into compliance with the ESEA Waiver. To do so, the Department convened an Educator Evaluation Task Force to analyze the gaps between Idaho’s current evaluation system and what was required under the ESEA Waiver.

Policy Update Service Toll-Free: (866) 799-4722 Email: jessica@idsba.org Web: www.idsba.org

14 / Volume 31 / August 2013

The Educator Evaluations Task Force made several recommendations for changes to the current evaluation rule. The Task Force determined that all teachers and pupil personnel certificate holders should be evaluated once annually, no later than May 1st, which was the basis for the resulting statutory changes enacted in the 2013 legislative session. Additionally, the proposed rule developed by the Task Force requires that thirty-three percent (33%) of all certificated instructional staff evaluations be based on objective measures of growth in student achievement as determined by the board of trustees and based upon research. The Task Force is also recommending that a percentage of that thirty-three percent (33%) be based on growth in student achievement as measured by the statewide assessment utilized for Federal accountability purposes. The Task Force decided that in calculating portion based on student achievement, districts may choose to use both current and past year’s data. For new teachers who do not have data from previous years, the principal should work with those teachers to develop student growth goals for the students assigned to those teachers.

Another important change to the teacher evaluation rule recommended by the Educator Evaluations Task Force is that the remaining sixty-seven percent (67%) of the evaluation be based on measures of Professional Practice. The measures of Professional Practice portion of the evaluation shall include a minimum of two documented observations annually and at least one (1) of the following; parent/ guardian input, student input, or portfolios. At least one (1) of the documented, formal observations must take place prior to January 1st. This required deadline was also included in the recent statutory changes. The January 1st deadline will ensure that teachers put on a performance plan of assistance are identified early in the school year. The final significant change is the inclusion of a performance level system to be used in teacher evaluations. The Task Force decided that the State should adopt a minimum of three (3) performance levels used to differentiate the performance of teachers and pupil personnel certificate holders. Those performance levels are; unsatisfactory, basic, and proficient. Districts may choose to add additional performance levels at the discretion of the local board of trustees. Once these changes are formally approved by the State Board, districts will need to update their local teacher evaluation policies to be in compliance with the new rule. Fortunately, the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) is here to help! ISBA will be providing members of its Policy Update Service with a revised teacher evaluation policy based upon the rule changes noted above in its Fall Policy Update Service Release after approval by the State Board. If you have a policy question, or would like to learn more about becoming a member of ISBA’s Policy Update Service, please contact Jessica Harrison at jessica@idsba.org.

Executive Board Member Highlight

Education Evaluations Task Force Update The Teacher and Principal Evaluation Rules have been out for public comment along with the necessary revisions required from the US Department of Education. These rules are now in final form. The changes that have been made are listed below: Principal (IDAPA 08.02.02.121) • Added language that requires principal evaluations based on the new statewide standards piloted in districts during the 2013-2014 school year with full implementation during the 2014-2015 school year. • Added language to include “teacher input” as a multiple measure choice under the Professional Practice section. • Added language that requires principals to be evaluated at least once annually by May 1st. • Added language that clarifies that despite the fact districts will only be piloting the new principal evaluation standards during the 2013-2014 school year, principals will be required to have 33% of their evaluation based on growth in student achievement during the 2013-2014 school year. Due to the potential transition from the ISAT to the SBAC Assessment next year, the use of Statewide Assessment for Federal Accountability Purposes will not be a required part of the evaluation until the 2014-2015 school year. Stay tuned for the changes and the impact to Boards of Education on the Administrators evaluation rule.

SLATE

Lisa Burtenshaw ISBA Region 6 Chair • Idaho Falls School District

y service began in 2008 on a district-level committee tasked with looking at the then new graduation requirements for the class of 2013. A few of the committee recommendations divided members of the school board and the community. It was during this turbulent time that I was appointed to serve on the board of trustees. I was elected in May of 2011, and as a board we continue to face challenges with limited resources, changing demographics, and higher expectations. I am fortunate to serve with experienced board members who understand that strength comes from the board and not individual members.

Be willing to accept criticism, try to find consensus, be honest and sincere, and above all keep children the first priority. Why I Serve on the Executive Board I am currently serving on the ISBA Executive Board as the Region VI Chair. It is a privilege to work with so many outstanding fellow board members from across Idaho. As with my own individual board, we have different backgrounds, experiences, and expectations, but the one thing we all have in common is our commitment to educating the children in Idaho. A little about me I am the mother

A little Advice There are always two

of four busy children: Sydney (16), Jacob, 13), Josh (11), and Ethan (7). I am also very blessed to have a husband, Bryce, who is willing to act as my “sponsor” so I can dedicate the necessary time to serve. My children are spread throughout elementary school, middle school, and high school, and I have concerns (some justified) about serving as a trustee with all of my children still in school, but the rewards have outweighed the challenges. When I am not participating in school board activities, I like to travel and enjoy the opportunities of Idaho’s great outdoors.

sides of a story, and the truth usually lies somewhere in the middle. Take the time to hear all sides of an issue and recognize that perception is reality. In most communities, the education of children is a very emotional issue. Parents, teachers, and patrons have their own unique experiences with public education - both good and bad. These experiences have led to strong beliefs about how the school should be run. Be willing to accept criticism, try to find consensus, be honest and sincere, and above all, keep children the first priority.

15 / Volume 31 / August 2013

SLATE

ASK ISBA Business Official of the Year

Nancy Landon

Question: Are trustees allowed to participate in district-sponsored insurance plans?

The Idaho Association of School Business Officials is pleased to announce Nancy Landon, Business Manager with the Boise School District, as the 2013 School Business Official of the Year.

Answer:

Yes. Idaho Code does provide a mechanism by which elected officials in political subdivisions can participate in the insurance plans offered by the entity they serve. However, there is a “prepayment” condition whereby the elected official must pay, out of his or her own pocket in advance, each month the premiums for the plans in which they choose to participate. The relevant Idaho Code citation is below:

67-5763. Governmental body authorized to make contracts for group insurance for officers and employees. Any school district, municipality, county, or the state of Idaho, or other political subdivision of the state of Idaho, is hereby authorized to make contracts of group insurance and arrangements with prepayment plans, insuring and covering life, health, hospitalization, medical and surgical service and expense, accident insurance, contracts of annuities and pensions, or any one or more of such forms of insurance, annuities, pensions, or prepayment plans of coverage for the benefit of its elected or appointed officers and employees including life, hospitalization, medical and surgical expense insurance or prepayment plan coverage for dependents of such officers and employees. This code section clearly allows the district to include trustees in their health and other insurance benefits offered to employees as long as the payment for the chosen coverages is made in advance.

“Nancy Landon exhibits our district’s values of respect, dignity, honesty, responsibility, and teamwork in everything she does. She treats every question, from the simplest to the most complex with same respect, which helps the board gain deeper understanding of district finances.” - A.J. Balukoff, School Board President, Boise School District

However, although the code section allows the school district to obtain insurance coverage for elected or appointed officials, it does not require an insurer to cover those individuals if the school did not include them as eligible individuals under the plan.

“Nancy is recognized as one of the top Budget and Finance administrators in the State, and is often relied upon by officials in other districts for advice in budget preparation, creation of budget documents, and analysis of financial statements.”

Schools participating in the Statewide Schools program all have the same Eligibility & Enrollment qualifications as follows:

- Dr. Don Coberly, Superintendent, Boise School District

To qualify as an Eligible Employee under this Policy, a person must be and remain a full-time employee, sole proprietor, or partner of the Group who regularly works at least 20 hours per week and is paid on a regular, periodic basis through the Group’s payroll system.

“Nancy’s management abilities, and further, her willingness to communicate the responsibility with which she has carried out her mission to keep our district solvent in tough times are laudable.”

As we all know, school board members cannot be employees of the school district. As such, the trustees in any school district that participates in the Statewide Schools program are not eligible to apply for health insurance benefits. If your district has other health insurance, we encourage you to check with your provider to see if this is possible for the trustees in your district. 16 / Volume 31 / August 2013

- Sue Lovelace, Parent Volunteer, Boise School District

ABOUT THE AWARD

Started in 2003, the IASBO Business Official of the Year program is a peer recognition program for outstanding service, innovative plan design and implementation, or other exemplary business practices within school business management in the State of Idaho.

SLATE

17 / Volume 31 / August 2013

SLATE

Ever Wonder What You Can Do With BoardDocs?

ISBA BoardDocs® web applications eliminate paper and streamline the processes used to manage board packets, access information and conduct meetings. You’ll save money, time and improve your boards’ effectiveness, on a massive scale. If your decisions affect the lives of others, call us. We’ll help you do what you do best, even better.

It’s her future. It’s your choice.

BoardDocs.com 800. 407.0141 / Volume / August 2013 Inc. All rights reserved. BoardDocs® is a registered trademark and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without prior consent. © 18 2013 Emerald31Data Solutions™,

Distinguished Student award

Distinguished Students of the Year

MAGGIE BROWN PRE-MED

Since 2002, Idaho’s dairy farm families began recognizing wellrounded senior students who excel as leaders in academics, athletics, volunteerism, and extracurricular activities. Each week throughout the school year, four students from each Idaho market (Southwestern, Eastern, Northern and South Central) are selected as Distinguished Student Award winners. Yearly, four students from the winners are selected as DSA Students of the Year. Weekly winners earn their schools a $100 scholarship and yearly winners’ schools receive a $5,000 scholarship thanks to each student’s achievement.

SLATE

02 WESTON DURLAND FILM MAKING

03 MACKENZIE O’BLENESS COMPUTER SCIENCE

LAINE PRATT AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

01 MACKENZIE O’BLENESS

02 MAGGIE BROWN

03 WESTON DURLAND

04 LAINE PRATT

Idaho Falls High School Idaho Falls School District

Gooding High School Gooding School District

Capital High School Boise School District

Clearwater Valley High School Mountain View School District 19 / Volume 31 / August 2013

SLATE

Tips from the Trenches:

Administration

BY STEPHEN SROKA

eadership is essential to effective education. Here are some “Tips from the Trenches” from the school leaders and leaders of national education organizations themselves.

Geoffrey CanadA Founder of the Harlem Children’s Zone and recent speaker at the National School Boards Association’s annual conference in Boston: ●● “The cost of education is cheaper than the cost of incarceration. We must invest more with kids who need more now, or pay later.” ●● “Our world is changing. Businesses have seen a need for change and have made changes. Why can’t schools?” ●● “We need to stand up and fight for our kids. Our job is not to try to figure out what our kids can live without, but rather what can our kids live for.”

C. Ed Massey is a keynote speaker at the ISBA Annual Convention in November. See page 32.

Volume 31 / August 2013

Esther Monclova-Johnson Director of Equity Affairs for Virginia Beach City Public Schools: ●● “Our purpose in education is to help create learning environments that are culturally responsive, engaging, and respectful of the young people that we serve.” ●● “In order to fully engage in this tremendous learning experience that lasts 13 years or more, we should honor the true relationship. If we want to know what interests and excites our youth, we need to talk to them and share in constructive dialogue. If we want to ensure that they acquire the skills they need to be successful in life, then we have to make learning relevant, rigorous, and exciting.” ●● “We have to pay attention to the development of resiliency skills in their educational experience.”

SLATE

C. Ed Massey Imm. Past President of National School Boards Association: ●● “Leaders in today’s world must be flexible. Adaptive leadership is meeting the challenge of a changing educational environment.” ●● “Leaders must push people to their potential while not pushing them beyond their capacity.” ●● “Leaders must rise above the trenches so as to see the battlefield globally rather than locally. By doing so, problem solving becomes contextual.” ●● “Leading is dangerous work and not for the ill of heart. Many times those not familiar with the issues at hand dislike the message and as a direct result, they blame the messenger. Leaders continue to promote a message even in the midst of travail. They understand that the conveyance of their message is their role and they don’t take the criticism personally. As a result, persistence has a chance to prevail.”

Barbara-Jane Paris Principal at Canyon Vista Middle School in Austin, Texas, and President-Elect of National Association of Secondary School Principals: ●● “Programs don’t change behavior, people do. Chose the right ones. Fire a few.” ●● “Work smarter, not harder. Give everyone a productive role by knowing what drives them.” ●● “If you put the wrong task with the wrong person, they work harder, but the mission fails. It’s like straightening the chairs on the Titanic.” ●● “Speak with one voice. In difficult times, there is rarely one solution—if there were, the situation would never have happened. Pick an underlying principle and stick with it.” ●● “Above all: students first.”

Senator Richard Marcellais Betsy Landers President of National Parent Teacher Association: ●● “It’s simple: parent involvement equals student achievement. Decades of research continue to show a direct link between family engagement and student success, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, religion, or background.” ●● “A 2010 study examining school improvement work in Chicago’s lowest performing public schools found that success depends on five necessary ingredients. Not surprisingly, family engagement is one of them. Like baking a cake, researchers found that if even one ingredient was not in place, there was no recipe for success. We know this to be true, yet we continue to fail to see family engagement made a priority in many reform movements.”

North Dakota State Senator (D-9), chairman of Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, and president of National Indian School Board Association: ●● “Native American schools have the lowest AYP scores in the nation. What happened with No Child Left Behind was that it was for only non-native schools.” ●● “As a Native American, I believe that non-natives need to understand the culture of each tribe because each tribe is different and has different beliefs.” ●● “In order to educate the Native American students, I believe educators need to better understand the issues and concerns and be able to communicate on the culture level.” ●● “As a senator, I am on the education committee because I believe education is the most important thing to help everyone in their lives.”

Look for more Tips from the Trenches in future Issues of the SLATE. Topics will include teaching, Student Services, and School Safety. Stephen Sroka, PhD, is an adjunct assistant professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, and president of Health Education Consultants. He has worked in schools for more than 30 years. Connect with Sroka at www.wholechildeducation.org or drssroka@aol.com © 2013 Stephen R. Sroka, PhD, Lakewood, Ohio. Used with permission.

21 / Volume 31 / August 2013

SLATE

A NEW SERVICE OF THE ISBA: SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

IN SUCCESSFUL DISTRICTS the board and superintendent work as a team. There is a common goal to improve student achievement, with both sides working to keep the relationship positive and effective. When boards are seeking a superintendent who will fit their district and whose professional skills are outstanding, it is prudent to secure outside assistance. The Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) is the place to turn for help when selecting a new superintendent. ISBA has skilled, experienced, and helpful staff dedicated to the principle of serving local boards. 22 / Volume 31 / August 2013

We are in a position to make recommendations as to the professional work, skill level, and instructional leadership experience of those interested in applying for a superintendent position. Because every state has a school board association, and we belong to the National Association of Superintendent Searchers, we also have the capacity to conduct a full national search. When a district decides to use ISBA to lead the search process, it not only gets the skill and experience of the search team, it can also draw upon our other in-house resources such as legal advice, and research data related to the search.

SLATE

package SERVICES Option 1: Marketing of Opening With this option, ISBA will work with the district to determine the qualifications of the desired candidate. ISBA will then market the opening around the State as well as in other states. ISBA will forward all applications to the district for their review. Once the district selects the top five candidates, ISBA will conduct background checks on those candidates and return the findings to the district. Option 2: Marketing + Superintendent Search With this option, the district receives all of the services in Option 1 in addition to search services. Once ISBA completes the marketing of the opening, we will appoint a qualified and experienced staff member to assist your district with the search. This includes reviewing the applications, informing the board of candidates who are not qualified (based on information provided on the application), and assist the district in determining the top candidates to move forward with interviews. ISBA will set up interviews with the top candidates, and, if the board prefers, the staff member can assist with the interview process. This could include preparing a list of interview questions and being present for interviews. There is an additional cost for an ISBA staff member if you choose to have the staff member present during the interviews. Option 3: Marketing + Superintendent Search + Coaching With this option, the district receives all of the services in Options 1 and 2 in addition to a coaching service. Because the first year is so critical for setting the tone of professional relationships, ISBA offers a year-long coaching to help your new team operate effectively. ISBA will meet with you and your new superintendent once per month to discuss any of the following: •

Relationships

Public Meetings &

•

Governance

•

Expectations

Executive Sessions

•

Public School Funding in Idaho

•

Goal Setting

•

Effective Communications

•

K12 Public School Laws in Idaho

•

Operating Agreements

•

Roles & Responsibilities

•

Performance Evaluation

•

Board and Superintendent

a la carte

SERVICES

Interview Questions ISBA has established a list of effective and pointed questions that your district may find beneficial in its superintendent search process. We have researched many states and various districts to find the most effective questions to ask. With this option, ISBA will send you the list of questions. Assistance with Interview Process Are you aware of the questions you can and can’t ask your superintendent candidates? Don’t cause your Board undue problems or embarrassment by asking illegal or inappropriate questions. With this option, we will provide an experienced staff member who will assist your Board with the interview process. If you choose, this staff member will travel to your district and ask the interview questions or lead your Board with the questions to ask (and not ask). Background Check Make sure your superintendent candidates have clean background checks! ISBA provides this service to help ensure you know of any criminal backgrounds of your candidates.

contact misty jones swanson Idaho School Boards Association PO Box 9797 Boise, ID 83707-4797

phone (866) 799-4722 fax (208) 854-1480

web www.idsba.org email misty@idsba.org

23 / Volume 31 / August 2013

SLATE

2013 ISBA Scholarship Recipients Scholarship Recipient

Board Member Parent/Grandparent

Recipient’s School

Recipient’s District

Archie McGregor IV

Archie McGregor III

St. Maries High School

St. Maries Joint SD #041

Karen Hunt

Julie Hunt

Post Falls High School

Post Falls SD #273

Kaia Cannon

Byron Cannon

Deary High School

Whitepine Joint SD #282

Kirk Nelson

John “Jack” Nelson

Troy Jr.-Sr. High School

Troy SD #287

Sarah Gussenhoven

Esther Spataro, Brad Cuddy,

Lewiston Senior High School

Lewiston Independent SD #340

William Gussenhoven

Wyatt Calkins

Donald Calkins

Lapwai High/Middle School

Lapwai SD #341

Amanda Grover

Andrew Grover

Melba High School

Melba Joint SD #136

Malia Peck

Clinton Peck

Kuna High School

Kuna Joint SD #003

Brooklyn Worthington

Christine Worthington

Murtaugh High School

Murtaugh Joint SD #418

Bryon Hope

Doyle Hope

Wendell High School

Wendell SD #232

Cheyenne Hubert

Kris Hubert

Dietrich High School

Dietrich SD #314

Jaide Parke

Daniel Parke

Carey High School

Blaine County SD #061

Karli McHone

Kelli Ann McHone

Glenns Ferry High School

Glenns Ferry Joint SD #192

Logan Porter

Jarrett Porter

Dietrich High School

Dietrich SD #314

Emily McCurdy

Troy McCurdy

Grace High School

Grace Joint SD #148

Cole Hepworth

Carol Hepworth

Snake River High School

Snake River SD #052

Hailee Harrigfeld

Gordon Harrigfeld

North Fremont High School

Fremont County Joint SD #215

Jason McBride

Douglas McBride

Sugar-Salem High School

Sugar-Salem Joint SD #322

Erica Green

Lin Hintze

Mackay High School

Mackay Joint SD #182

Megan Pearson

Cheri Pearson

Butte County High School

Butte County Joint SD #111

Trevor Kauer

Tex James Kauer

Leadore High School

South Lemhi SD #292

Danielle Petitmermet

Nick Petitmermet

Cambridge High School

Cambridge Joint SD #432

Elizabeth McDonald

Holly McDonald

Meadows Valley High School

Meadows Valley SD #011

Smith Family Memorial Scholarship

Comstock Family Memorial Scholarship

Recipient: Kirsti Morris Board Member: Randal Morris Marsh Valley High School Marsh Valley SD #021, Region 5

Recipient: Haley Workman Board Member: Kim Workman Deary High School Whitepine Joint SD #282, Region 2

Region

The ISBA Past Presidents’ Scholarship Auction at the Annual Convention raises money to support the ISBA Scholarship Trust Program. The Scholarship Trust awards college scholarships to children and grandchildren of Idaho public school board members (both past and present). For more details, visit the Scholarship Trust page at www.idsba.org.

Trustee Award of BOARDSMANSHIP

ISBA MASTER OF

Boardsmanship PROGRAM

Trustee Award of

BOARDSMANSHIP

Individual board members can earn the Trustee Award of Boardsmanship by reaching one of four levels of recognition; Achievement, Excellence, Mastery, and Distinction.

he demands on board members have grown as new federal, state, and local responsibilities are added to the agenda. With budgets tighter and public scrutiny sharper, the stakes are higher. But so are the results accomplished by good board members. You deserve formal recognition for the time and talent you devote to your community’s most important responsibility - public schools. To encourage professional growth of individual school board members, ISBA awards members who invest their time and effort into becoming more informed and more effective school board members. There are four levels of recognition; Level I Achievement, Level II Excellence, Level III Mastery and Level IV Distinction. These awards are earned during a 12 month period, October to September, and are recognized during the ISBA Annual Convention.

LEVEL I ACHIEVEMENT

Master of

BOARDSMANSHIP AWARD With the participation of two-thirds or more of board members, the board can earn the Master of Boardsmanship Award, by meeting the minimum criteria outlined for the five standards.

25-50 Points Plus: • Code of Ethics Signed

LEVEL II EXCELLENCE 50-100 Points Level I plus: • Self Assessment Completed • Attends 90% of Board meetings

LEVEL III MASTERY

Certificate of RECOGNITION IN LEADERSHIP

100-150 Points Level II plus: • Writes article for SLATE or Voice • Serves on at least one Board Committee

LEVEL IV DISTINCTION 150 + Points Level III plus: • Served on Board for 3+ years • Region Leadership Service

25 / Volume 31 / August 2013

Master of

Trustee Award of BOARDSMANSHIP

BOARDSMANSHIP AWARD

Point System CONVENTIONS ISBA Annual Convention 50 Early Bird Workshop (at ISBA Annual Convention) 15 Night Owl Workshop (at ISBA Annual Convention) 10 NSBA Annual Convention 50

WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS Summer Leadership Institute Education Law Seminar Governance Workshop

25 20 10

LEGISLATIVE Day on the Hill

STANDARD 1

EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE

ISBA REGIONAL MEETING Regional Meeting

Knowing the authority of the school board is found in the board actions as a whole, the Idaho School Board Association offers a Master Boardmanship Award for the entire school board. This award is granted upon completion of an application process that demonstrates both boardmanship basics as well as a demonstration of effectiveness in the five standards of school board operations; governance,

REQUIRED (complete both) • Conduct an annual Board Evaluation • Conduct an annual Superintendent Evaluation

INDIVIDUAL BOARD TRAINING By ISBA Approved Presenter 8 Hours Board Training 25 4 Hours Board Training 15 2 Hours Board Training 10 10 Minute Trainers* 5 *1 point per 10 Min. Training with maximum of 5 points. Board Minutes from meeting must be attached for verification.

ELECTIVE (complete one or more)

ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETINGS

• Attend 90% of your regularly scheduled district board meetings

February Meeting April Meeting September Meeting

10 10 10

OTHER Represent ISBA on committee or in a meeting*

*Up to 15 points awarded based on hours served . For any activity not listed, contact a trainer to determine award points. 26 / Volume 31 / August 2013

• Review and update district vision, mission, values, or strategic plan • Review and sign board code of ethics • Print your district mission on your agenda and refer to it when making decisions

• Attend your Region Meeting

STANDARD 3

ADVOCACY REQUIRED (complete two or more) continuous improvement, advocacy, accountability and community engagement. This award will be presented at the ISBA Annual Convention in November. The application needs to demonstrate the following activities have been met. The award is earned during a 12 month period, October to September. You may provide board meeting minutes or a signed affidavit of completion of the standards by the Board and the Superintendent.

• Attend ISBA Day on the Hill • As a board, conduct a public hearing • Testify to the Legislature • Meet or call and visit with your local legislator about legislation impacting your district • Meet with city government officials • Submit an article to the SLATE or local paper

STANDARD 2

STANDARD 4

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

ACCOUNTABILITY

REQUIRED (attend one or more)

REQUIRED

• • • • •

• Complete ISBA Governance Training at least once every three years

ISBA Convention NSBA Convention Charter School Network Convention Summer Leadership Institute In-District Training

ELECTIVE (complete one or more) • Attend a seminar, workshop, or presentation on an education related topic • Attend a neighboring school district’s board meeting and compare governance styles

ELECTIVE (complete one or more) • Complete the Finance 101 Module • Review and update your district’s Strategic Plan • Review and update at least 1/3 of your policy manual annually • Adopt and monitor annual district budget • Update district website to include AYP and Star Rating Results

• Participate in 15 min. board training session to be held at your own school board meeting at least four times per year • Read an education related book or article and submit a synopsis for the blog on ISBA’s website • Participate in an education related webinar

STANDARD

REQUIRED

ELECTIVE

1 - EFECTIVE GOVERNANCE

2 - CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

3 - ADVOCACY

N/A

4 - ACCOUNTABILITY

5 - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

TOTAL

STANDARD 5

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REQUIRED • Establish or review district vision, mission, values, and goals

ELECTIVE (complete one or more) • Meet with Mayor, City Council, County Commissioners to “tell your story” • Present at Lions/Rotary/Kiwanis/Senior Citizens/Elks to “tell your story” • Visit school or school activity as a board, invite the media to attend • Sit on school committees • Attend PTA, PTO, Education Foundation meeting • Share student success stories via social media • Submit student success stories to ISBA • Reward and/or recognize staff and students in Board Meetings

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION Points towards either boardsmanship award can be earned until September 30, 2013. Submit your application by October 18, 2013. For application forms, please visit www.idsba.org/ convention or email jackie@idsba.org. Awards will be presented during the Awards Banquet at the ISBA Annual Convention in Coeur d’Alene, November 6-8, 2013. Please contact Jackie Hopper for application assistance. Training Director • jackie@idsba.org (866) 799-4722 • (208) 854-1476

help wanted Below is a sample of job openings currently listed on the ISBA Job Center, a service for member districts and job seekers. View complete listings of adminstrator, certified, and classified positions at www.idsba.org. HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL District: Twin Falls School District Apply: Visit the district website at this short link: www.tinyurl. com/kdk9495. Other Details: Canyon Ridge High School. Minimum qualifications include: Master’s degree, with a major in secondary school administration; Meet State certification requirements; At least three years experience as a classroom teacher at the secondary level; Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the board may find appropriate and acceptable. BUSINESS MANAGER District: Xavier Charter School Apply: Application packets need to include the school application form which can be accessed at xaviercharter.org. Other Details: Xavier Charter School is seeking an enthusiastic leader who is able to work collaboratively to further the financial stability of Xavier. The leadership structure is comprised of the Head of Schools, Business Manager, and three Lead Teachers. The ability of the Business Manager to work in this type of a collaborative environment is key. Xavier is a 630 student, K-12, college-prep school that implements a classical education curriculum accented by the Fine Arts. Candidates should have previous accounting and business experience and expertise and possess a professional work ethic. Xavier Charter School is an equal opportunity public charter school funded by the State of Idaho. High professional standards are a hallmark of our school. Questions regarding this position should be directed to Mr. Gary Moon at gmoon@xaviercharter.org. SECONDARY MATH TEACHER District: Boundary County School District Apply: Visit the district website at this short link: www.tinyurl. com/lz5679e. Other Details: This position is located at the Bonners Ferry High School. This is a certified, full time position with district benefits. We operate on a four-day school week. A valid Idaho certificate with proper endorsement is required. Salary based on Certified Salary Schedule. There is more information available on the district website.

These listings are published in this issue of the SLATE as a one-time courtesty.

SLATE

ISBA

PROMOTE YOUR JOB Online Job Center Listing

$30

$50

$75

Voice Newsletter Listing

add $20

add $25

add $30

SLATE Advertisement

add $70

add $30

add $40

add $50

Front Page Website Feature

Does your district or charter school have a position to fill? ISBA offers a service for member districts and job-seekers.

Online Job Center Listing

credit packs

Your job listing will be posted in the ISBA Job Center for 4, 8, or 12 weeks.

Do you want to get the most bang for your buck? Purchase a “pack” of job postings to use now or at any time. This is a great option if you have only a few listings now but expect to have other listings in the future, or, if you have five listings now and want to advertise all of them.

Voice Newsletter Listing Your job listing will be listed in the Voice, ISBA’s weekly e-newsletter, for 4, 8, or 12 weeks. SLATE Advertisement Your job listing will be advertised one time in the next SLATE magazine. Please contact ISBA regarding deadlines for this option. We request a six week notice prior to the print of the next SLATE. Front Page Website Feature Your job listing will be added to the front page of www.idsba.org for 4, 8, or 12 weeks. Our website receives a high volume of traffic.

Sold in Packs of 5: • Listed for 4 weeks - $135 • Listed for 8 weeks - $200 • Listed for 12 weeks - $325

•

For More Information If you have any questions regarding this service or would like additional information, please contact Misty Jones Swanson at the ISBA Office: (208) 854-1476 | misty@idsba.org. 29 / Volume 31 / August 2013

SLATE

Please Join Us! November 6-8 • Coeur d’Alene Resort

hether you are a veteran board member, a superintendent, a board support professional, or a first-time attendee, the 71st ISBA Annual Convention has the tools you need to support 21st century education. You’ll come away with practical ideas, best practices, and a renewed commitment to help your board accomplish the critical work ahead.

Leading for Tomorrow:

The 21st Century Board

Room Reservations: Reserve by October 4, 2013 The Coeur d’Alene Resort • (800) 688-5253 Ask for ISBA Room Block • $99 to $175 per night, plus tax

Registration: Visit www.idsba.org/convention Register before Sept. 30th to save! 30 / Volume 31 / August 2013

ISBA ANnual Convention

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NEW FOR 2013! Convention Website Everything you need for the 2013 ISBA Annual Convention is now in one central location — www.idsba.org/convention. Find registration information, hotel and travel information, agenda, and any convention related updates. All forms are also available online, including award nomination forms and applications, workshop applications, and student entertainment applications.

Workshop Tracks The workshop sessions will be organized into tracks. These optional tracks are a designed to guide attendees through a progressive set of workshops by the capacity and role they fill - New Board Members, Clerks / Business Managers, Board Chairs, Superintendents, and Charter School Board Members.

State of the ISBA / Open Mic Night In place of the usual Wednesday evening President’s Reception, we will have an Evening with Your Board & ISBA. This event is FREE for registered attendees and includes dinner, board discussion time (we’ll reserve tables for your board), a State of the ISBA report, and an Open-Mic night so you can ask ISBA officers and staff your questions or provide comments.

Early Bird Workshops Wednesday, Nov. 6 • 9am - 12pm Financial Governance: The Dollars and Sense of School Finance Fiscal responsibility is a major component of good school board governance. This workshop will cover the basics of financial oversight, accountability, and fiduciary responsibilities. A panel will share their wisdom on financial governance and how they give oversight on the monthly budget reports and the budgeting process. Board Roles and Responsibilities: New school board trustees will learn essential knowledge and skills for success. Veteran trustees can share experiences and receive a “booster shot” in what the roles and responsibilities are. Focus your attention on responsible school governance, beliefs about student learning, supporting student and staff success, accountability, and community engagement. Learn how to maximize your ability in your new role to “invest in our future through public education.”

31 / Volume 31 / August 2013

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2013

keynote Speakers T

hese motivating speakers are selected to build your leadership skills and to help move your district forward. Apply lessons & wisdom learned directly back to your school district.

Jim Bearden Thursday, Nov. 7 Opening Ceremonies Jim Beardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speaking and writing are based on his first-hand experiences in a wide range of leadership roles. A decorated Vietnam veteran where he served as a Marine rifle company commander, a corporate vice president, and the founder of his own successful company, Jim will do more than espouse leadership theories. Using plenty of humor and his own rich life experiences, Jim will offer specific suggestions for translating leadership concepts into effective school director behavior. This powerful opening keynote presentation is a must-attend for those truly committed to creating cultures for learning.

32 / Volume 31 / August 2013

C. Ed Massey Friday, Nov. 8 Second General Session See www.idsba.org/convention for bio.

ISBA Annual Convention

SLATE

Stephanie Hamilton Friday, Nov. 16 Third General Session A lifelong educator, Stephanie was a high school teacher of English, Social Studies, and Mathematics. After leaving the classroom, she was the director of integrated classroom technology (ICT) for a school system in Alief, Texas, and then the chief information officer (CIO) for the Austin Independent School District in Austin, TX. Since joining Apple in 2000, Stephanie has brought her experience to help define a blueprint for building a 21st Century Learning Environment, helping school leaders identify the critical factors for successful implementation of ICT. She has traveled worldwide in search of successful, replicable instances of ICT used to drive student achievement and prepare students with 21st century skills. She helps articulate the messages about learning, how it has changed and what schools must do to adapt.

Thank You

to our sponsors ISBA thanks the following companies for their sponsorship at the 71st ISBA Annual Convention. Their generous support is vital to the ISBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continuing efforts to provide a quality convention experience for attendees.

Scholarship Auction Supporting the ISBA Scholarship Trust The ISBA Past Presidentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Scholarship Auction raises money to support the ISBA Scholarship Trust Program. The Scholarship Trust awards college scholarships to children and grandchildren of Idaho public school board members (both past and present). For more details, visit the Scholarship Trust page at www.idsba.org.

$103,500 AWARDED IN THE PAST 12 YEARS!

The above sponsors are as of the date of print. See www.idsba.org/convention for current sponsors.

33 / Volume 31 / August 2013

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ISBA Annual Convention

Please Submit Your

award applications & Nominations Submit nomination forms for these awards:

Citizenship Award

Legislative Liaison Award

20 Years Of Service Award

Each year ISBA recognizes two exceptional individuals from our State whose contributions to education are outstanding. Please submit your nominations with supporting documentation or data. One award is presented to a certificated educator while the other is presented to a noncertificated individual, such as a volunteer, a community member, or classified staff.

Every year school district trustees and superintendents spend a great deal of time advocating to local, state, and national leaders in support of public education. This award is given to an individual whose efforts and participation with ISBA during the legislative session should be recognized and applauded.

Part of growth and learning as a school board trustee is the knowledge acquired from those who have previously served. Each year ISBA recognizes those extraordinary individuals who have selflessly given 20 years or more to the students and education system of Idaho.

Submit your award applications for these awards:

Trustee Award of Boardsmanship

Master of Boardsmanship Award

The Trustee Award of Boardsmanship is granted to those individuals who invest their time and effort into becoming more effective school board members. There are four levels of recognition for this award. Level I Achievement, Level II Excellence, Level III Mastery and Level IV Distinction.

The Master of Boardsmanship Award is granted upon completion of an application process that demonstrates both boardsmanship basics and effectiveness of the five standards of school board operations; governance, continuous improvement, advocacy, accountability, and community engagement.

nomination forms Do you know an individual deserving of the recognition of any of these awards? Go to www.idsba.org/convention to download a nomination form. Please contact the ISBA office with questions. (208) 854-1476 • info@idsba.org Submit nomination form(s) by Oct.1, 2013 Email: misty@idsba.org • Fax: (208) 854-1480 PO Box 9797 • Boise, ID • 83707-4797

award applications Did you participate in the ISBA Master of Boardsmanship Program? Go to www.idsba.org/convention to download an application form. Please contact Jackie Hopper with questions. (208) 854-1476 • jackie@idsba.org Submit application form(s) by Oct.18, 2013 Email: jackie@idsba.org • Fax: (208) 854-1480 PO Box 9797 • Boise, ID • 83707-4797

34 / Volume 31 / August 2013

ISBA Annual Convention

SLATE

Agenda at-a-Glance WEDNESDAY, November 6 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM 2:45 PM – 4:00 PM 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM

Registration Open Convention Center Lobby Early Bird Training Workshops Casco Bay, Kidd Island Bay, North Cape Bay, Cabin 5 Workshop Session I Various Rooms Workshop Session II Various Rooms Workshop Session III Various Rooms NEW! State of the ISBA / Open Mic Night Bays 4-6 Enjoy an evening of dinner, discussions with your board, State of the ISBA, and an open mic night

THURSDAy, november 7 6:45 AM – 2:30 PM 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM 7:15 AM 8:00 AM – 9:45 AM 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM 11:15 AM – 2:00 PM 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Registration Open Breakfast Buffet Student Entertainment Opening Ceremonies & First General Session Keynote Speaker Workshop Session IV Exhibit Show Exhibit Show Lunch Region Meetings Region I: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM Region II: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM Region III: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM Region IV: 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM Region V: 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM Region VI: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM Region VII: 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM Region VIII: 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM Workshop Session V Scholarship Auction Networking Time

Convention Center Lobby Convention Center Lobby Bays 4-6 Bays 4-6

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Awards Banquet

Bays 1-3

Various Rooms Bays 1-3 Bays 1-3 Casco Bay Kidd Island Bay North Cape Bay Kidd Island Bay Casco Bay Beauty Bay North Cape Bay Beauty Bay Various Rooms Bays 4-6 Convention Center Lobby

FRIDAY, November 8 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM 7:00 AM 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 8:45 AM – 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM – 1:45 PM 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Breakfast Buffet Convention Center Lobby Student Entertainment Bays 1-3 Second General Session, Keynote Speaker Bays 1-3 Business Session Bays 4-6 Student Entertainment Bays 1-3 Closing & Third General Session, Keynote Speaker Bays 1-3 Night Owl Training Workshops Beauty Bay, Boardroom 6, Boardroom 7

This is a draft agenda as of the date of print. For the most current agenda, visit www.idsba.org/convention.

35 / Volume 31 / August 2013

SLATE

ISBA ANnual Convention

Call for

Workshop proposals Can the trustees & school district leadership of Idaho benefit from your expertise & experience? ISBA invites school districts, educational agencies, and others to submit proposals for workshops to be presented at the ISBA 71st Annual Convention. Convention attendees are seeking information and skills to help them govern and lead more effectively in the ever-changing world of public education. Workshop proposal applications are available at www.idsba.org.

November 6-8, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ Coeur dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Alene Resort

36 / Volume 31 / August 2013

Executive Board Member Highlight

SLATE

Does Your District have student

TALENT? ISBA is proud to showcase student performing arts groups during the ISBA 71st Annual Convention.

Inviting students to participate helps remind us why over 500 board members volunteer to serve the children of their communities. In years past we have enjoyed a variety of student performances including bands, jazz bands, choirs, orchestras, dancers, and thespians. All groups have been extremely well-received by the audience. This tradition will continue at the 71st Annual Convention, November 6-8, at the Coeur dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Alene Resort by inviting student groups to perform. Student performance groups will be announced in late September. Please visit the www.idsba.org/convention for the application form.

37 / Volume 31 / August 2013

SLATE

21st Century School Boards BY JOHN J. CASSEL

The markers of our new age are anywhere, anytime, now. What will school boards look like after the digital revolution has transformed society?

merica is in the midst of what some call the “third wave” of the industrial revolution. Just as the mechanization of the textile industry changed England in the late 1700s, and the assembly line transformed America in the early 1900s, so our current digital revolution is poised to change our entire world in ways we cannot yet see.

have been valuable in the past will not work going forward. My concern is with school governance. Part of the governance job is finding ways to help districts become the nimble organizations our new age requires. Board leadership requires board members to understand their own organizational role and the particular type of institutional power they wield.

How shall we think about school boards in our new digital world? Some assume, or perhaps hope, they will fade into obsolescence. Personally, I am committed to public education as the only way to keep the U.S. strong and democratic. We cannot have vital public schools without publicly elected school boards, as school boards serve to link schools and communities in critical ways. It is particularly urgent that school boards find new practices and habits to stay effective and positive.

What will school boards look like on the other side of the digital revolution? Some of our most effective boards are pointing the way.

The U.S. will not continue to be a key player in the global economy if our public school graduates are not up to the new challenges. But schools and their governance structures cannot continue with business as usual. The vitality of our society requires all of those involved with public education to fully participate in the digital transformation. The markers of our new age include: anywhere, anytime, now. Clearly, the bureaucracies that 38 / Volume 31 / August 2013

REVOLUTIONARY EXPECTATIONS A critical, and often neglected, task of every school board is to clearly articulate the mission of the organization. Such clarity is important for staff (what are we trying to do?), students and families (how do we fit in and can we make this work for us?), and community (why is this work important to us?). If our communities are going to spend a significant amount of resources and money on schools, they need clarity about what we are trying to do and why it is important. If staff and students are to work together, they need a common understanding of the goal. Clarity of purpose is the age-old responsibility of every board. But, in today’s digital world, clarity about, and commitment to, a vision is urgent. School is yet another example of where the individual cannot “go it alone.”

Quality public education can only arise from a collaborative effort, and it falls to the board to marshal the resources and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the goals and purpose of education. Most public school districts are less than clear about their values and purpose. In addition, most districts resist change. The impulse of many new board members and some boards is to “drive change” into resistant organizations. These board members misunderstand the way governance works. Here is a marker for the digital board: The board sets up the expectations that ensure change will happen. The board, on behalf of the community, is the part of the organization that creates and nurtures an expectation that schools will meet the educational needs of their students. In today’s world, this means being part of the revolution. Our old ideas and old outcomes no longer make the grade. The board needs to regularly ask the hard questions: Are we moving closer to the kind of education our new society requires? Are our graduates ready for the challenges they’ll find right outside our doors? Have we established, at the heart of our organization, expectations for success? Do we have a culture that supports risk and innovation? How can we help our communities understand the changes and challenges of the new age? continued on page 40...

SLATE

IDAHO SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION

GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP TOPICS INCLUDE:

Roles & Responsibilities, Finance, Policy, Effective Meetings, Effective Boards, and ISBA and Its Resources. REGION 5 When: Sept 4, 2013 • 6-8 PM RSVP by Aug 30

ABOUT THE GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP

Where: Preston School District Office

To schedule your region’s workshop, contact Jackie Hopper today!

WHO CAN ATTEND

ISBA will hold the Governance Workshop in each region at least one time each year. By holding the Governance Workshop regionally, ISBA is no longer charging the training fee of $300. Please note: districts can continue to schedule this workshop in-house (at their own facility without other districts) for the regular training fee of $300 per two-hour workshop, plus travel.

This workshop is for Region V members. Entire boards or one board member may attend. We ask for a commitment to attend, and that those districts who participate share the travel costs of the trainer. If a participant reserves a spot and then fails to show up, we will charge the district a cancellation fee of $5 plus the portion of travel.

RSVP to Jackie Hopper, ISBA Training Director Toll-Free: (866) 799-4722 Phone: (208) 854-1476 Email: jackie@idsba.org

Trustee Award 10 of BOARDSMANSHIP POINTS

WWW.IDSBA.ORG 39 / Volume 31 / August 2013

SLATE ...continued from page 38 A 21ST CENTURY GOVERNANCE TEAM Collaboration is a mark of our new age. Important things get done when you stir in the right mix of ingredients (perspectives, skills, wisdom, and insight). Being a true governance team has become an increasingly important part of any district’s success. Revolutionary boards understand they need a competent and capable superintendent to be successful. And, they structure their relationships with the superintendent and staff to ensure an empowered organization that is able to move toward agreed-upon goals. Effective governance means a true partnership, where each part of the organization plays its own role. The dynamics of the modern partnership raise an age-old conflict around the role of the board. Board members want to make a contribution; they see the demands on graduates and want to help them be successful. However, the subject many board members know best is management (most are successful people and good managers in their own right). But, even a bimonthly board meeting is a terrible way to manage a school district. An organization where the board needs to make all of the important decisions will never be nimble. That is important to note, since successful school districts in the digital world must be nimble. Real evolution and growth are part of staying alive. Our factory-based mental models regarding education limit our thinking. The idea that “next year we’ll get it better” retards continuous improvement and revolutionary growth. It’s ironic that we have to be concerned that schools function as “learning organizations.” Only an organization that can learn from its own experience and implement positive change will be able to model the lifelong learning required by all future graduates. A modern public school requires empowered staff members who feel they are able to use their professional expertise and stand accountable for the results of their efforts. The only way school boards can empower their staff is to establish expectations and get out of the way.

40 / Volume 31 / August 2013

This is not to imply the board has no role. Agreed-upon expectations are vital. Everyone in the organization needs to be working toward the same thing. And the board orchestrates the agreement. Staff members will invest themselves in expectations if they see their goals and plans are connected to community values and professional wisdom. Successful boards need to find ways to let go of management and focus on that part of the work boards do well: values, purpose, expectations. The staff must be inspired and empowered to figure out how to put the values and purpose into practice. Only this kind of mutual partnership between board and staff will allow public schools to rise to meet the expectations of the digital revolution. THE BIG PICTURE Teachers, principals, and even at times the superintendent are busy teaching students and managing learning. Who is thinking about our transformed world and the meaning of the changes? Who is thinking about what an educated citizen will look like 25 or 40 years into the future? Who is thinking about the shape and character of our communities? Who is thinking about what our society’s investment in education means? If a small group of committed and informed citizens can gather around these kinds of questions, our whole society—and especially students and their teachers—will profit. School boards carry an awesome responsibility: the future of our children and our society. However, too many school boards go about their business as usual, ignoring the need to rise to the occasion. The whole enterprise of public education is at risk. What will it mean for school boards to take their responsibility seriously? How boards spend their time is a key issue. Does it stay focused on the big picture, thus fulfilling its charge and role? Or, does the board spend most of its time on management issues, thus defaulting on its unique challenge?

A notable challenge before school boards is the difficult matter of community trust. Much of our digital revolution has transformed the way we communicate and access information. We know more than we ever did and our knowledge comes from a myriad of sources, 24/7. For school boards, it’s tempting to do business online. However, to maintain community trust, the board’s work must be transparent. The board is obliged to work exclusively at the board table. Only at the table can the board act as a corporate body and speak with one voice. Part of the challenge to the school board is finding the discipline to limit its work to the corporate, public setting. The digital revolution, with new and immediate ways to communicate, has made this part of the task more difficult. The board has a clear obligation to act only as a single governing body (not exercising its power as individuals) and to be disciplined about its agenda, rejecting managerial conversations, and focusing on district ends and gauging success. In this way, the demands of our open meeting laws actually enhance the board’s ability to make a positive contribution. 21st century school boards can rise to the challenge of our digital age. They need to allow themselves to be transformed by the revolutionary forces at play in our world. They need to truly partner with an empowered staff. They need to be focused on the big picture and refuse to be sidetracked by old battles and established behavior. If contemporary school boards can engage the demands of our new digital world and learn to respond, they will model the exact behavior future graduates will need to exhibit for success in our transformed world: the ability to be lifelong learners. The vitality of our society and the success of our children depend on effective school boards. I believe that the thousands of locally elected school board members want to succeed and will step up to the challenge.

John J. Cassel recently retired from the Illinois Association of School Boards, where he served as director of field services for 17 years. Reprinted with permission from American School Board Journal, October 2012. Copyright 2012 National School Boards Association. All rights reserved.

SLATE

Our Valued ISBA Business Partners 00 ISBA’s Business Partners offer a variety of services and products that can assist Idaho’s public schools in cutting expenditures and finding cost-effective options.

Diamond BUSINESS PARTNERS

BRONZE BUSINESS PARTNERS

00 IDAHO DAIRY COUNCIL

00 PIPER JAFFRAY

A non-profit nutrition education organization providing science based materials to health care providers, schools, and consumers throughout the State of Idaho.

Piper Jaffray is an investment bank and broker-dealer specializing in tax-exempt bond underwriting and sales. Providing financing solutions custom tailored to its clients’ capital financial needs.

Crystal Wilson (208) 327-7050 cjwilson@idahodairycouncil.org www.idahodairycouncil.org

Eric Heringer (208) 344-8577 eric.a.heringer@pjc.com www.piperjaffray.com

00 MORETON & COMPANY Moreton & Company provides property and liability insurance as well as risk management services to member districts through the ISBA endorsed insurance plan. Most recently, Moreton & Company launched a group auto and homeowner insurance program that is available to district employees as well as school board trustees. Allan Ranstrom (208) 321-9300 allan@moreton.com www.moreton.com

00 ZIONS BANK A leader in financing school district projects at the lowest overall cost. Since 1994 Zions has assisted Idaho districts in financing over 60 projects totaling over $200 million.

Silver BUSINESS PARTNERS 00 HUMMEL ARCHITECTS PLLC Established in Boise in 1896, Hummel Architects PLLC is a general practice architectural firm whose history touches nearly every Idaho community. Over the decades Hummel has built a solid reputation on the design of educational, institutional, civic, industrial, governmental, retail, office, and corporate structures. Aubry Briggs (208) 343-7523 abriggs@hummelarch.com www.hummelarch.com

Cameron Arial (208) 344-9522 cameron.arial@zionsbank.com www.zionsbank.com

00 HUTCHISON SMITH ARCHITECTS Hutchison Smith Architects is a full service architectural firm that has been providing responsive, creative, valuedriven building solutions for more than 15 years. HSA specializes in educational facility design having worked with over 20 school districts and completed over 900 successful education projects. We will assist you on a wide array of project types, from bond passage for new buildings and remodels to systems upgrades, historic renovations, and repair and maintenance work. Each project, no matter how large or small, is important to us. We offer you the commitment to give each project the attention that you expect and deserve.

ISBA

DIAMOND BUSINE SS PART NE R

I S BA

SILVER

BU S I N ES S P A RT N ER

I S BA

BRONZE

BU S I N E S S PARTNER

Look for these Business Partner logos in SLATE articles and advertisements.

Angelia Healy (208) 338-1212 ahealy@hsaarchitects.com www.hsaarchitects.com

41 / Volume 31 / August 2013

SLATE

Our Valued ISBA Business Affiliates 00 ISBA’s Business Affiliates offer a variety of services and products that can assist Idaho’s public schools in cutting expenditures and finding cost-effective options.

MORETON & COMPANY

USBA FLEX

BUYBOARD

ISBA INSURANCE PROGRAM

EMPLOYEE FLEXIBLE SPENDING PROVIDER Paula Summers psummers@usba.cc (801) 878-0671

ONLINE PURCHASING COOPERATIVE

Allan Ranstrom allan@moreton.com (800) 341-6789

Rochelle Adams rochelle@idsba.org (866) 799-4722

SLATE

SOLVERAS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS CHECK RECOVERY SERVICE Rodger Regele rodger.wa@comcast.net (888) 726-0015

Contact these Business Partners or Affiliates to find out how they can assist your school

STATISTIC THE Misty MONTH district, orOF contact Jones Swanson at the ISBA Office for more information.

Projection Statistics to 2020 0 Phone: (208) 854-1476 0 Email: misty@idsba.org 0 Fax: (208) 854-1480 0 Toll-Free: (866) 799-4722

0 Web: www.idsba.org

BOARDDOCS eGOVERNANCE SOLUTIONS Michael E. Hanahan mhanahan@boarddocs.com (800) 407-0141

Source Information Courtesy of: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education. http://nces.ed.gov/programs/projections/projections2020/sec1a.asp

BOARDBOOK SOFTWARE FOR ORGANIZING MEETING MATERIAL Mike Elder mike.elder@boardbook.org (888) 587-2665 Ext. 6413

42 / Volume 31 / August 2013

In budgeting one of the challenges we face is to look at enrollment trends and try to predict the number of students that will be enrolled in the coming year. Here is an interesting look at the national trend of enrollment. This projection is done by the National Center for Education Statistics and is meant for discussion purposes only. Each individual school district needs to look at the trends within their own community to assist in the budgeting process. Total public and private elementary and secondary school enrollment was 55 million in fall 2008,

representing an 8 percent increase since fall 1995. Between fall 2008, the last year of actual public school data, and fall 2020, a further increase of 5 percent is expected, with increases projected in public schools and decreases in private schools. Increases in public school enrollment are expected for Blacks, Hispanics, Asians/Pacific Islanders, and American Indians/Alaska Natives, and a decrease is expected for Whites. Increases in public school enrollment are expected in the Midwest, South, and West, and a decrease is expected in the Northeast.

Executive Board Member Highlight

SLATE

43 / Volume 31 / August 2013

IDAHO SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 9797 • BOISE, ID 83707-4797 PH: (208) 854-1476 • FAX: (208) 854-1480

Leading for Tomorrow:

The 21 Century Board st

November 6-8, 2013 • Coeur d’Alene Resort RESERVATIONS: (800) 688-5253, ask for ISBA Room Block • ROOM RATE: $99 to $175 per night, plus tax ROOM RESERVATION DEADLINE: October 4, 2013 • FOR MORE INFO: visit www.idsba.org/convention

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Boise, ID Permit No. 136